Transistor with multi-level self-aligned gate and source/drain terminals and methods

Abstract

Disclosed are a transistor and a method for forming the transistor. The method includes concurrently forming gate and source/drain openings through an uppermost layer (i.e., a dielectric layer) in a stack of layers. The method can further include: depositing and patterning gate conductor material so that a first gate section is in the gate opening and a second gate section is above the gate opening and so that the source/drain openings are exposed; extending the depth of the source/drain openings; and depositing and patterning source/drain conductor material so that a first source/drain section is in each source/drain opening and a second source/drain section is above each source/drain opening. Alternatively, the method can include: forming a plug in the gate opening and sidewall spacers in the source/drain openings; extending the depth of source/drain openings; depositing and patterning the source/drain conductor material; and subsequently depositing and patterning the gate conductor material.